Christopher D. Verrico, PhD

Christopher (“Chris”) Verrico is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), with a secondary appointment in Pharmacology. He is also a principal investigator (PI) on the Research Service Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). Chris leads five active research projects, funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), and the McNair Foundation, that tackle pressing public health issues. One of his prominent projects, funded by the FDA, is a U01 study examining the human abuse potential of kratom, an herbal substance with opioid-like effects. This research will generate critical data on the risks and potential therapeutic applications of kratom, which will help shape regulatory decisions and guide public health recommendations. His R21 investigates the use of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, to treat cocaine use disorder, examining how it might modify cocaine's reinforcing effects. Chris is also co-leading an R01-funded trial in collaboration with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, which studies the combination of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and nicotine replacement therapy to improve smoking cessation outcomes. This study also explores whether this approach can mitigate post-cessation weight gain, contributing to more effective long-term cessation strategies. In another project with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, supported by DOD funding, he is exploring the combined use of lofexidine and buprenorphine for treating both opioid use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Lastly, in collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital, Chris is leading a McNair Foundation-funded trial to assess the use of dronabinol for alleviating endometriosis and back pain, offering potential new avenues for pain management.